Keeping Calves Hydrated

Jul 05, 2023


Dairy Calf

Beat the Summer Heat.

Summertime in the upper Midwest is undoubtedly the best time for getting outside and soaking up some sun, enjoying the heat and staying busy to get the farm ready for the upcoming winter. Anyone that has worked in the sun understands just how important it is to keep water or other fluids with you to stay hydrated. The same goes for our dairy calves. A calf’s body is 80% water when she is born. Ideally, she should consume roughly 10% of her bodyweight in water daily to avoid dehydration, encourage starter intake and overall heath. While water should be fed year-round from day 1 of life, that in combination with regular milk feedings may not be enough fluids during the hot summer days. Below are 5 ways feeding a dilute electrolyte mix can help your calves this summer. 

Replace lost electrolytes 
As heat stress sets in, respiration rate increases. When this happens, calves begin to let off more water in the air to keep themselves cool and end up losing chloride, potassium, and sodium in the process. These electrolytes are particularly important in many bodily functions impacting proper hydration.

Encourages water absorption 
Piggybacking on the point above, when sodium is low, water is not absorbed as well in the intestines. The extra sodium supplied by the electrolyte allows the calf’s intestines to balance the osmotic pressure and start absorbing water. 

Correct blood pH
Supplying the potassium and sodium as mentioned above brings in positive ions to offset the low blood pH. It is important to maintain a balance so the calf does not develop acidosis. 

Source of energy 
A good electrolyte should contain a sugar source such as dextrose to provide an energy source to the calf. Heat stress can impact the digestion of the calf so the energy they would normally get from their daily milk feeding may be lacking. Providing an easily digestible sugar source such as dextrose can help calves through the lag. 

Support appetite 
Another thing to check for on your electrolyte label is Vitamin B12. Vitamin B can encourage a calf’s appetite and keep her eating through the heat stress to make sure she can fight off any lurking illnesses. 
It is important to remember that you should still find a time during the day to offer clean, fresh water. Be sure to get your water tested to ensure it is low in sodium (<50 PPM), iron and other minerals. Never mix electrolytes with milk or milk replacer. If you have a severely dehydrated calf, it is always best to consult your veterinarian. 

Premier Cooperative carries a line of high quality, proven electrolytes from Land O’ Lakes so reach out to us today to find the one for your farm!  

Genny Speckman

Dairy Nutritionist
 

 

Recent Posts

Jul 01, 2025
I hope everyone had the chance to enjoy the Independence Day holiday with family and friends. Thanks to all of you who called in your orders early and helped minimize the added pressure that the short work week brings. I’d also like to thank all of you who returned your propane contracts by the due date. With a short window of when contracts are mailed to when they are due back, we really appreciate your patience and support. If reading this reminded you that your contract is still sitting on the kitchen table, just pick up the phone and call the energy office nearest to you. Our friendly staff will be glad to take care of you. On behalf of our energy team and everyone at your cooperative, thank you for choosing us to serve your propane needs again this year.
Jun 30, 2025
I’m going to start with something most of you don’t want to hear. In 4 months, you will be firing up your furnace for the first time. In 6 months, you’ll be shoveling snow. I’m not suggesting that you should go out and buy that new snow thrower that you’ve had your eye on. However, now is a great time to buy propane for the winter.  
Jun 30, 2025
Did you know that Premier Cooperative is the largest Up North Plastics dealer in southwest Wisconsin?  Top producers know that the best way to preserve the quality of high-value forages is to store their feed in Up North silage bags.   Up North plastic has 2 to 3 times the puncture and tear resistance of foreign competitor’s products.  With the ever-increasing value of feed stuffs, why risk using anything but the strongest, most reliable, time-tested bag on the market?  Match that with Up North’s outstanding service record, and you have a combination that is unrivaled in the industry.  Trust the protection of your feed with Up North Plastics.